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Ship 444 is under way! Our members have begun learning the basics needed for
boating such as boating safety, swimming, knots and service hours. At future events
we will continue to learn basic seamanship as we prepare to hit the water.

Speaking of hitting the water! We have had several great trips over the last few
months. In February our members attended a Discover SCUBA course in Starkville.
We had a great time learning the basics of SCUBA diving. I would like to thank the
SCUBA Dawgs at Mississippi State for their help. In March, we hit the water again at
Tishomingo State Park. On our trip down Bear Creek we aided the park by cleaning
debris from the river. Then in April, we finally were able to get the Halcyon out on the
river. On April 16th we sold flashlights for a fund-raiser at Wal-Mart before traveling
to Fulton to take out the Halcyon. Though the maiden voyage was hardly what I
would call successful, several members returned the next day for another shot. On
Sunday April 17th the Halcyon made sail on her first successful voyage down the
Ten-Tom Waterway, under the guidance of Ship 444. This was an exciting trip for
those who were able to attend.

Our meetings have been just as busy. We held a Bridge of Honor in February to
recognize our members who have attained the rank of Apprentice. Then at our
meeting on March 8th, ship consultant Mike Brownlee spoke on the basic parts of a
sailboat. At our first April meeting, we once again held a Discover SCUBA course.
Thanks go out to SCUBA South and Bubba for a great experience. At our April 12th
meeting we held Ship elections. Congratulations to Casey Penny, Boatswain; Riley
Curbow, Boatswain’s Mate for Administration; Ovais Khalil, Boatswain’s Mate for
Program; Jesse Penny, Yeoman; Donald Young, Purser; Wayne Young, Storekeeper.

In May we are going to begin meeting at Camp Yocona. Meeting at Camp will allow
us to enjoy the great outdoors and go sailing at our meetings. Camp is also a good
place for our members from the Oxford area to meet. We will continue meeting at
camp thorough out the summer. Our next planned outing will be July 14th-15th at
Bay Springs. Check back soon for more information. Also, be sure to check the
website and your email for current news. If your are not on our email list just send us
a feedback form requesting your addition to our list.

As you can see, our ship is very active. If you like (or think you might like) SCUBA
diving, sailing, or other water activities, this ship is the place to be. In fact we are
already planning for summer 2006. We have been accepted for a 7-Day Tall Ship
Adventure in the Florida Keys. Aboard the ship we will have the chance to sail a 70’
Tall Ship, learn navigation techniques, go snorkeling and fishing. So if you’re up to
that challenge there is no time better to sign on.

Mitch Johnson
Skipper, Ship 444